The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 election in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, has expressed his disappointment with the current state administration under Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Adebutu, who lost narrowly to the incumbent governor, stated that he feels ashamed to hail from Iperu-Remo in Ikenne Local Government Area, the same hometown as Abiodun.
Adebutu made these remarks on Friday after revalidating and transferring his party membership from Ikenne to Odogbolu Local Government Area of the state.
The PDP chieftain revalidated his membership in Ikenne Ward 5 and transferred it to Ward 4, Odo Alaro in Odogbolu LG.
Speaking to newsmen after the exercise, Adebutu asserted that the PDP remains the only party capable of understanding the art of governance and addressing the plight of the people.
He criticized the current administration for diminishing the progress and development of the state.
“We are a very responsive and people-oriented party.
We understand the art of governance, we imbibe that culture, and we have been able to succeed in it,” Adebutu declared.
“I am sure with time, reality will dawn on Nigerians that we all have to come under that great umbrella to rescue our nation because this is the opposition party.”
Adebutu praised the infrastructural development witnessed in PDP-governed Oyo State under Governor Seyi Makinde.
He highlighted a recent visit to Ogbomoso, where he observed significant infrastructure projects.
“Yesterday (Thursday), we were in Ogbomoso. The extent of the infrastructure development by the PDP government of Governor Seyi Makinde is an example to the whole nation,” he said.
“If all the federating states play their role actively, there will be less emphasis on the centre, and that is the way it should be.
PDP is PDP.”
Comparing the achievements in Oyo State to those in Ogun State, Adebutu was critical of Governor Abiodun’s efforts.
“I was in Oyo State, where the PDP governor commissioned a state road of about 77 km.
It was not just resurfacing an existing road; he actually developed urban and rural areas simultaneously,” he noted.
“He created roads on virgin lands, but my own brother from Iperu now puts bands on the road, claiming to commission a resurfaced and expanded road of a few kilometers.”
Adebutu emphasized the contrast between the PDP and APC administrations, stating, “We understand governance, we are transparent, and we are able to do well despite the relatively small resources in Oyo State compared to what we have in Ogun State.
I felt ashamed yesterday; I covered my eyes because Dapo is from the same place that I am, and he shows his diminished acumen.”
Furthermore, Adebutu mentioned that since the last governorship elections, the PDP in Ogun State had registered over 100,000 new members, indicating growing support for the party in the region.
